Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their loyalty and strength, making them popular working dogs, especially for families with children.

About this Breed

Newfoundland dogs, commonly referred to as Newfies or Newfs, are a giant working dog capable of incredible feats of strength both by land and by sea. These dogs are often used for tasks ranging from pulling carts to maritime rescues. In fact, these loveable lifesavers actually have foot webbing on their giant paws and a special fur coat that, coupled with their strength and size, make them ideally suited for rescue missions at sea. But not to be pigeonholed into brute force workers, these dogs are also used for therapy. Newfies are even occasionally called "nanny dogs" (yes, just like in Peter Pan). Recognized by the AKC as long ago as 1886, their complex history takes their ancestors from a home on the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador over to England, where they spread out from there. Smaller versions of this breed's earlier ancestors from the late 19th century, known as the lesser Newfoundland (or St. John's dogs), are actually considered the founding breed for modern retrievers. While not quite as popular as retrievers, the Newfoundland remains a great working dog or companion for families, especially those with children.

Height

Male: 27-29in

Female: 25-27in

Weight

Male: 130-150lb

Female: 99-120lb

Fun Fact

Many experts believe that Newfoundlands were developed in neighboring Labrador, which is especially neat because Labradors are thought to have originated in Newfoundland.

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